Top tips to get the most out of a visit to San Remo
We all know that Phillip Island is the destination, the reason why most venture down the coast. It’s to spot the tiny, twaddling penguins or for the thrill of the Moto Grand Prix. But just before you arrive, that last little town before the bridge crossing, is San Remo; the gateway to the island.
Even though this unassuming part of Victoria is like the demure cousin to the other coastal, more cosmopolitan Mornington Peninsula. It’s this laidback-ness that offers a kind of serenity that’s harder to track in Sorrento or Portsea. I mean, in the little pocket that I’ve come to know as a second home for the last 3 years, we see kangaroos bask in the sun while their joeys hop nearby.
In the last 3 years we’ve discovered some places that deliver over and over again. These are recommendations we make to friends who visit once in a while but want a great meal or a fun family activity. Now we’re sharing these local gems with you.
In this local’s guide we will cover:
What to expect when staying at Silverwater Resort, San Remo,
When is the best time to visit San Remo (or Phillip Island),
What’s good to eat around the area,
What to do if you only had one day (and other itineraries).
Staying at Silverwater Resort, San Remo
Silverwater Resort in San Remo sits high on the hills, positioned to capture breathtaking vistas of the nearby coast and farmland. As you enter the the main driveway you can expect to navigate past ducks, or other native bird life. The layout of the resort is generously spread out with apartment lots that are 3 floors high.
The main reception is centrally located with pools, tennis and basketball courts nearby. Watermark Restaurant is to the left of the main reception but there are dining recommendations below.
What to expect
Our 2 bedroom apartment is on the second floor. This property is privately managed, and not by the resort staff. Your key card** is different to what the resort will issue. You will pick up the keycards at a different location (please note the details in your email).
Parking is available close to the entry of the apartment block.
Check in is from 12pm on the day of booking so you can drop bags of and then head to nearby Saltwater for lunch.
Check out is any time before 12pm last day so that you can enjoy one final dip in the pool or walk into town or the back beach.
Linen is provided for the number of guests and length of stay in the booking.
There is a smart TV in the living room, with streaming access. You’ll need to use your own login details.
Nespresso pod coffee is available for a quick brew otherwise Watermark Restaurant also offers barista made coffee.
During peak season, such as Easter weekend or Christmas holidays the traffic in and out of Phillip Island can cause major delays from mid-morning to early afternoon. If travel can’t be avoided (we stay and play in the resort on those major days) then there are some routes on back streets to help minimise time in the traffic but it can be pretty painful.
Other considerations
As it is privately managed, the resort staff will assist in a limited capacity but if there are enquiries or emergencies please contact me on the details provided. Pre-booking service for the breakfast buffet is not available, only walk ins are taken.
Please note: as it is a second floor apartment, the top floor can carry some noise.
When to visit? Each season brings something new
The areas around Phillip Island experiences four distinct seasons, each bringing unique characteristics that affect the wildlife and environment. If you have allergies, then the unique flora can trigger symptoms. Bring antihistamine to minimise its effects.
My personal favourite time to visit is during Autumn. There’s less chance of being rained out as is the case in Winter but still enough summer-type weather without the pests that I mention below.
Spring (September-October)
During spring, temperatures begin to warm, and the landscape bursts into bloom; however, this is also the time when a variety of pests like mosquitoes and flies become more active. It can also be nesting season, so watch out for the swooping magpies and birds around the grounds. Wear hats as a precaution.
Summer (December to March)
Summer offers more warmth and a bustling tourism scene, but it is essential to keep an eye out for sand flies which bite, can buzz around the beaches. Wear repellent, long sleeves and avoid dark coloured clothing.
What’s good to eat around here?
San Remo
Beachside Bakehouse for bakery treats, decent coffee and fresh bread. Best value ham, cheese toastie for the kids at $5.50. M&M cookies are a treat. Donuts are freshly made.
Sanny Side for their mushroom and cheese toastie.
Saltwater for their fish tacos, best chicken parma in the state, and the finger licking chicken wings can’t be beat.
Phillip Island
Pino’s Trattoria for authentic Italian cuisine. The beef cheeks, spaghetti allo scoglio are unmissable.
North Pier has classic pub grub. The ribs are a go-to for my youngest son.
What would you do if you only had a day?
When we visit over the weekend, our schedules have nothing but space and time for each other. We only have one full day there but also no real pressing demands. My boys play in the resort grounds swapping stories on the jumping air pillows or splashing around in the pools.
We’ve tried our hand at beach fishing and even just explored rock pools when the tide goes out. We’ve gone hiking, bird watching, seal cruising (on different visits).
This is nature at its finest. And within reach.
So if you have only one day then the itinerary suggested below may achieve a nice balance.
AM: The Nobbies on Summerlands
Lunch: Pino’s Trattoria in Cowes
PM: Rhyll’s Inlet or Phillip Island Wildlife Park
The Nobbies on Summerlands
The Nobbies on Summerlands is situated on the southern coast of Phillip Island, featuring rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and unique wildlife that attract both tourists and researchers alike. The stunning views of the Southern Ocean are complemented by the Seal Rocks, home to a large population of fur seals.
You can explore the walking trails that meander through the landscape, with stops along the way to gaze at the different birds or the texture of the crashing waves. The Nobbies also serves as a crucial habitat for various plants and animals, making it an important site for conservation efforts.
When we visit the Nobbies we keep an eye out for nesting penguins underneath the board walk. While it’s not a guarantee, you may get to see them up relatively up close; for free, than if you paid for the Penguin Parade.
It’s not a long walk but you can stay for as long as you like. Toilets are also available on premise. I consider this free and family friendly.
Rhyll’s Inlet
We go from the southern point of the island to the northen tip with Rhyll’s Inlet, an ecologically diverse area noted for its rich birdlife and scenic wetlands. This inlet features a mix of coastal and estuarine environments, providing crucial habitat for various species, including migratory shorebirds.
One of our family-friendly low-grade hiking paths is along Rhyll’s Inlet where there’s a boardwalk that houses tiny mudcrabs that are a delight to spot. However, they tend to speed into their little mud caves with any noise (no matter how quiet you attempt to be).
As you pass the boardwalk, and venture into views of the estuary, you’re caught into a time bubble where time passes like the soft breeze on your face. There’s a wooden bench that supports some happy snaps or hydration and snacks or even a quiet rest. That is, until it’s popped by tunes of “I’m bored now.”
Phillip Island Wildlife Park
Phillip Island Wildlife Park offers visitors the opportunity to interact with native Australian animals in a natural setting. Young kids will delight in hand feeding the wallabies and kangaroos. The park also is home to a range of wildlife, including koalas, and various bird species, allowing for an immersive experience. Try and visit in the morning when the animals still have an appetite. Visiting the park requires a fee per person, but it is family friendly.
More suggested itineraries for longer stays are coming soon.
